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Algebra II class project
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CopyBarbie, Gl Joe dolls take a ride
During Ms. Stern's Algebra II classes at Southland, students recently participated in a project which allowed them to apply their knowlege of algebra to a real life situation. According to Ms Stern, "pairs of students used linear regression to predict the number of rubber bands needed for Barbie (or GI Joe, Bratz dolls, etc.) to have a thrilling, yet safe, ride off the balcony of the auditorium."
To accomplish this task, students used rubber bands to build a bungee cord. They did trials using one, two, three, four, etc. rubber-bands. They measured how far the cord would stretch in each case and displayed the information in a scatterplot. Using this data, they were able to write an equation that would predict how many rubber bands were need to allow Barbie and her friends to have the wild ride she was hoping for without cracking their skulls.
After they predicted the amount of rubber bands that were required, the students then proceeded to make the bungee cord and attach Barbie and her friends to it. Barbie was then thrown off the railing of the auditorium balcony to see how well the prediction equations worked. Most of Barbie and her friends had a great time. "About -15% of the bungee jumps ended in tragedy," said Stern, "but most students were able to give their dolls an exciting experience."
Ms Stern stated, "Upon reflection, the students realized that Barbie's weight, the thickness of the rubber bands and the age of the rubber bands were all factors in the results of the testing."
Copyright 2009 LeRoy Independent, LeRoy, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2010 LeRoy Independent LeRoy, Minnesota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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